Powersports Industry applauds bill that ensures fair funding to Recreational Trails Program
Powersports industry leaders gave high praise to a group of bipartisan lawmakers who reintroduced legislation to fully fund the Recreational Trails Program.
The Motorcycle Industry Council, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America all applauded S. 811, a bill that would ensure that RTP funding reflects the amount of fuel taxes that off-highway vehicle enthusiasts pay at the pump.
“The Recreational Trails Program is one of the most impactful federal initiatives supporting off-highway recreation,” says Christy LaCurelle, president and CEO of the MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA.
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Risch (R-Idaho) – the bill’s sponsors – notes in a press release that S. 811 “will ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. The bill signals strong support for bringing the Recreational Trail Program funding in line with the revenue collected from the federal gas tax already paid by off-road recreational vehicle users without impacting funding for other federal transportation programs.”
The RTP is a federal program that provides funding to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails. It follows the “user-pay, user-benefit” model of the Highway Trust Fund, using revenue from federal fuel taxes collected on non-highway recreation to support trails for motorized and non-motorized use.
Though OHV users contribute an estimated $281 million annually in fuel taxes, the program is currently funded at approximately $84 million per year. The new legislation seeks to close that gap and better align RTP funding with user contributions.
“The user-pay, user-benefit model means motorcyclists and OHV riders will see their contributions better utilized to maintain and expand trail access.” says LaCurelle.
The MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA have been strong supporters of the fair distribution of RTP funds and have long championed efforts to secure full RTP funding, working closely with policymakers and outdoor recreation advocates to advance this initiative.
Since its creation in 1991, the RTP has funded thousands of projects, including trail maintenance, new trail construction, trailhead development, accessibility improvements, and outdoor education initiatives, and the program supports a wide range of powersports activities.
